Franklin Southampton Economic Development, Inc., (FSEDI) currently led by Interim President and CEO Ashley Covington, with Karl Heck joining the team in August, is a unique office in it operates as a 501 (c) 3 that represents the economic development needs of the City of Franklin and Southampton County. The mission of the organization is to diversify the economy, create high quality jobs and provide a future for the families and youth of Franklin and Southampton.

The Hampton Roads Community Foundation is the largest grant and scholarship provider in the Hampton Roads region and one of 30 community foundations in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The foundation is a key partner in the local economy, and a Premier Investor in the Hampton Roads Alliance.

The past year has been one of continuous change, but Sentara Healthcare has weathered those changes well, and has let change drive them to action. Sentara was the first in the Commonwealth to offer drive-thru COVID-19 testing, they formed partnerships with community and faith leaders that allowed them to directly address health inequities and disparities, and were the first healthcare organization in the region to begin administering COVID-19 vaccines. 

The Hampton Roads Shipping Association (HRSA) is a non-profit, civic, and trade organization founded in 1971 to promote the interests of the Port of Hampton Roads and to further the common interests of business establishments within the Port, particularly those who hire waterfront labor. 

Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS), a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries, has been around since 1886. NNS is the nation’s sole designer, builder, and refueler of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and one of the only two shipyards capable of designing and building nuclear-powered submarines. They are the largest industrial employer in Virginia, employing more than 25,000 people — many of whom are third and fourth generation shipbuilders.

The city of Newport News Department of Development, led by Director Florence Kingston, is one of the highest performing economic development agencies in the Commonwealth. Their mission is to grow and diversify the tax and employment base of Newport News. They meet their mission by attracting new businesses and industries to create new jobs, working with existing business to expand and add jobs, and promoting strategic revitalization. The Department has announced several major attraction and expansion projects recently, including the following:

TowneBank began in April 1999 with start-up capital from over 4,000 shareholders, 86 employees, and 66 directors to open three banking offices. They now have 42 banking offices spanning from Charlotte and Outer Banks, North Carolina to Hampton Roads and Richmond, Virginia. They are one of the largest banks headquartered in Virginia and have been ranked by American Banker Magazine as one of the “Best Places to Work Nationwide.”

ODU is a dynamic, entrepreneurial-minded public doctoral research university that serves more than 24,000 students and contributes around $2.6 billion annually to Virginia’s economy. ODU’s Strome College of Business is a key player in the regional economic development ecosystem and a Gold Investor in the Alliance.

The City of Portsmouth offers a modernized historical downtown full of walkable businesses, as well as cultural and recreational entertainment options. The dynamic neighborhoods and business districts offer residents and professionals access and options quickly while remaining central to the 757. The City boasts over 90 miles of shoreline and a population of 94,000+.

W.M Jordan is a nationally ranked construction management company based out of Newport News, VA. They have worked on numerous projects throughout Hampton Roads including: ODU’s New Chemistry Building, Bon Secours Harbour View Cancer Institute, CHKD Medical Tower II, and more. They believe there are many growth opportunities for the 757 but "capitalizing on the maritime qualities of our region" such as the Port, the Navy, shipbuilding, the beaches, etc, offer the greatest potential. The company has continuously been at the forefront of construction management due to its guiding philosophy of “The Relentless Pursuit of Excellence.” This philosophy includes providing their employees with safety training to help them both in and out the work environment.

The City of Hampton’s Economic Development, led by Charles “Chuck” Rigney, has caught the attention of top businesses and developers from around the country.  In fact, some of the most successful and innovative companies are investing in Hampton.